NYPA Board Approves $500,000 in Funding for Clean Energy Industry Workforce Development Efforts in East Harlem

 

For Immediate Release: 07/31/24

Contact: Media Inquiries | media.inquiries@nypa.gov | (914) 681-6770

 

 

NYPA Board Approves $500,000 in Funding for Clean Energy Industry

Workforce Development Efforts in East Harlem

 

Renaissance Technical Institute Workforce Programming Will Support

Young Adults from Under-Resourced Communities in

Clean Energy Careers

 

NYPA Funding to Support Job Skills Training, Education and Prepare

New Yorkers for Employment in Expanding Clean Energy Economy

 

WHITE PLAINS—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) Board of Trustees yesterday approved $500,000 in funding to the Renaissance Training Institute (RTI) in East Harlem to support workforce programming and career development for young adults from under-resourced communities. The funding stems from a NYPA commitment in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget and will largely support the efforts of the state’s Office of Just Energy Transition (OJET). The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) established OJET last year to connect workers to opportunities for jobs in the clean energy economy through upskilling and training with a focus on serving those in under-resourced communities.

 

NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The $500,000 NYPA funding grant to RTI reflects our commitment to New Yorkers from under-resourced communities to prepare them for success in the clean energy industry. Workforce training programs and initiatives play a critical role in the transition to a clean energy economy, and the Power Authority’s continued collaboration with the Department of Labor will help connect well-trained workers with jobs that improve the security and resiliency of New York’s power grid.”

 

RTI is a New York-based non-profit organization that provides young adults residing in under-resourced communities with free vocational training and education. The NYPA funding will support a paid internship program in the building and construction trades industry related to plumbing, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and solar panel installation. Upon completing the six-month program, which includes educational and on-the-job training, students will be offered jobs with participating companies in the clean energy field. The funding grant will cover the costs needed to enroll up to 120 students.

 

NYPA and NYSDOL are collaborating on programs related to workforce training, retraining and apprenticeships related to preparing workers for employment in the renewable energy field, as well as programs to train or retrain utility workers.

 

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner and Climate Action Council Member Roberta Reardon said, “Investing in workforce development for the clean energy sector is critical for ensuring that all New Yorkers, especially those from under-resourced communities, have access to the economic opportunities of tomorrow. This funding will empower young adults with the skills and training needed to thrive in the clean energy economy, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for our state.”

 

The funding grant advances the Power Authority’s and New York State’s goals of supporting workforce training and retraining to prepare workers for employment in renewable energy fields, and provide benefits to residents in under-resourced communities, including communities in the vicinity of the Power Authority’s power projects. NYPA has extensive experience providing training to workers in energy-related fields and working with organized labor to help implement training programs for current and future employees. In May, Governor Hochul announced an additional $11.6 million in funding to support clean energy industry workforce development initiatives throughout New York State.

 

NYSDOL provides exceptional services to New York’s workers and businesses by connecting job seekers with employment and training opportunities, supporting businesses in finding qualified workers, and ensuring safe and fair workplaces.

 

State Senator Cordell Cleare said, "With environmental racism as pervasive as it is, members of the community in my district are happy that NYPA and Governor Hochul have announced $500,000 in funding for clean energy industry workforce development efforts in my district. This will create opportunities for young adults and support the youth from what are sometimes called the under-resourced communities, in clean energy careers. We are grateful that our young people will be able to get involved in this new industry.”

 

In addition to its new workforce training commitments, the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget provided NYPA with enhanced authority to develop, own and operate renewable energy generation and storage projects, either alone or in collaboration with other entities. Under the expanded authority, NYPA’s projects will support the state's renewable energy goals in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, maintain an adequate and reliable supply of electric power and energy in the state, and support the new Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH) program, which will enable low-income and moderate-income electricity customers to receive bill credits through the production of renewable energy by NYPA. NYPA will publish its first biennial strategic plan for renewable energy development in January 2025.

 

To learn more about opportunities for clean energy jobs, upskilling, and training in your community, join the Office of Just Energy Transition’s email list by signing up on OJET’s webpage.

 

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New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts – including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $28 billion in 61 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the State, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and 130 certified Climate Smart Communities, over 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the State to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

 

About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.